UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture concludes twelfth session, announces programme of work in the filed for 2011

19 November 2010

Geneva- The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT) has announced its provisional programme of visits for 2011.

The SPT will conduct country visits to Brazil, Mali and Ukraine. These countries have been chosen in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). Furthermore, in 2011 the SPT will conduct other activities as provided for under the OPCAT, including with National Preventive Mechanisms.

This was the last session of the SPT in its current composition of 10 members. As of 2011, and as provided for under the OPCAT the SPT will be composed of 25 members, following the elections that took place on 28 October 2010.

The SPT has a mandate to visit all States Parties, with a view to strengthening, if necessary, the protection of persons deprived of liberty against torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Every State Party is obliged under the OPCAT to grant the SPT unrestricted access to any place of detention and to provide all the relevant information the SPT may request. The SPT may have private interviews with persons deprived of liberty and any other person believed by the SPT to be able to provide relevant information.